MAJOR Heat Reduction in Pasadena Home Atrium w/ XPEL Blend 7 Window Films

At Texas Tint Masters, we're dedicated to enhancing the home’s comfort and energy efficiency through expert window tinting solutions. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a unique project for a Pasadena, TX home owner with an older home featuring an expansive atrium. With 18 large windows letting in a lot of heat, the atrium was turning the entire house into a sweltering space. Our mission was clear: to significantly reduce the heat entering the home without compromising on style. Here’s how we did it.

I've got lots of windows in direct sunlight — HELP! 

The atrium, with its numerous windows, was not only a beautiful architectural feature but also a significant source of heat gain. This older Pasadena home, with its metal framing and single-pane windows, required a thoughtful approach to address the heat problem. The customer expressed a desire for darker windows for aesthetic and glare reduction reasons and chose our residential grade reflective window film. Although privacy wasn't a concern; it provided an added benefit since the focus was entirely on heat rejection for better climate control resulting in lower energy costs. 

Initial Assessment & Consultation

During our consultation, we noticed that all 18 windows had an existing old tint, some of which were already peeling. This old tint needed to be removed before we could install the new film. Fortunately, the removal was straightforward, as the old film was coming off without leaving much adhesive residue. But why was the home still getting hot even though it had tint? 

As window film ages, it loses its performance properties and does not provide the heat insulation it once did. This aging in performance allows more heat to enter the home resulting in increasingly more expensive cooling costs. 

During our consultation process, we metered the existing windows to demonstrate the difference between different lines of window films. This provided the home owner with direct numbers on their windows to show them the real effect of different products. This also helped to ensure the best product for the solution the homeowner was looking for. 

Since the home owner was looking for the best performing film, we selected XPEL Blend 7 Residential Grade Dual Reflective Window Film since it has the highest heat rejection numbers on the market. 

With such high heat performing numbers, this residential grade reflective window film provided an excellent solution without the traditional look of bright reflective window films XPEL BLEND Window Films is a popular choice for homes because it blends the performance of traditional reflective films with the appearance of a more neutral window. 

Preparation and Cleaning: Installing The Home Window Tint Film

Old single-pane windows with metal frames presented a unique challenge due to decades of accumulated dust and pet hair. Our team, led by technicians Pete and Carlos, undertook a multi-stage deep cleaning process. This involved:

• Scraping and scrubbing: Removing old film and thoroughly cleaning the glass.
• Brushing and flushing: Using a sprayer system to eliminate all contaminants and dust.
• Decontamination: Ensuring proper bonding of the new film to prevent future peeling.

Given the atrium’s height, we utilized a scaffold system to safely reach the upper sections. The film chosen for this project was BLEND DR 7 Dual Reflective window film, known for its excellent heat rejection and glare reduction properties. Key features of this film include:

• 88% IR Heat Rejection
• 82% Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER)
• 94% Glare Reduction
• 99% UV Protection

We carefully installed the film, cutting it close to the edge of the glass to ensure a seamless appearance. The entire process, from removal to installation, was meticulously handled to maintain the integrity of the glass and provide a flawless finish.

End Results, Final Product

The difference was noticeable immediately. The darkened glass not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the atrium but also significantly reduced the heat entering the space. The sun's intense heat, previously a major issue, was now effectively blocked by the film. Our tests showed a marked difference in temperature between the glass and the window frames, confirming the film’s efficiency in heat rejection.

Customer Satisfaction

The homeowners were thrilled with the results. Not only did the atrium look stunning with the darker windows, but the entire house also felt cooler and more comfortable. The BLEND DR 7 film provided the perfect solution, delivering on its promises of heat rejection and glare reduction while enhancing the overall appearance of the windows.

At Texas Tint Masters, we take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. This project is a testament to our expertise in providing top-quality window tinting solutions tailored to our customers' specific needs. If you’re facing similar issues with heat in your home, contact us today to find out how we can help transform your living space.